NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Behind a four-goal surge in the second half, the 14th-ranked Christopher Newport field hockey team rolled to a 5-1 victory over Randolph-Macon during the squad's 2012 home opener at Captains Turf Field on a warm Friday evening.

Shelby Judkins broke a 1-1 halftime deadlock with a goal early in the second period before Taylor Young drove home a pair of lasers to cap off a sensational effort by CNU (4-1). Lindsay Hendricks and Belle Tunstall also scored for the Captains, while Jamie Dowling posted three saves to secure the victory against Randolph-Macon (0-5).

The Captains remained on the attack throughout the game and kept the pressure on the Yellow Jackets. Overall, CNU out-shot Randolph-Macon, 43-6, and held a commanding 28-3 edge in penalty corners. Despite the offensive surge, Nicole Woodworth kept the visitors in the game, making 24 saves to keep the score close until the middle of the second half.

Although CNU pulled away at the end, the two teams traded blows in the early going. Hendricks opened the scoring less than six minutes into the game. After Jordan Snider unloaded a rocket towards the cage, Hendricks swooped in and deflected the shot just enough to send it past Woodworth to give the squad a quick 1-0 lead.

Just over 30 seconds later, the Yellow Jackets pieced together a response. On the squad's very first scoring opportunity, Carrie Jacobs found an opening and nestled a shot just beyond Dowling's reach to even the game at one.

Staring at a deadlock, CNU simply unloaded. During a 10-minute window in the middle of the first half, the Captains blasted 10 shots and earned nine corners. Unfortunately, Randolph-Macon held up against the relentless attack. Woodworth batted away six attempts, while Olivia Newman and Elizabeth Steiner both tallied defensive saves to keep the hosts off the board heading into halftime.

Refreshed by the break, the Captain offense went right back to work. Pounding away with a slew of shots and corners, the squad eventually broke through at the 41:08 mark. After Woodworth swatted away a pair of shots, Judkins punched home her third goal of the season after driving a one-timer into the back of the cage.

With another one-goal lead, CNU refused to relax. Although Woodworth kept the Captain offense in check with eight saves, including an impressive leaping stop with her blocker, the hosts were unfazed. Eventually, Caitlin Cahill dished a beautiful cross to Tunstall, who immediately launched a shot into the cage to give Christopher Newport a 3-1 advantage at 56:18.

Although the Yellow Jackets attempted to respond, Dowling clamped down on a pair of shots to keep Randolph-Macon off the board. Later, with just under nine minutes remaining in regulation, the Captains earned their first penalty stroke of the year. Despite a tremendous shot by Breanne Lowe, Woodworth came through again as the keeper made a sprawling save to keep the team's deficit at two.

With the visitors showing renewed energy, Young slammed the door shut with a strong effort late in the second half. At 61:28, the sophomore standout blistered a rocket past Woodworth for her second goal of the season. Five minutes later, she returned to the scene and duplicated the feat after punching another seed into the cage to cap off the 5-1 victory.

Overall, the Captains held a 27-4 advantage in shots during the second half and a 16-2 edge in corners. The Randolph-Macon defense kept the squad in the game for much of the evening, however, as Woodworth was a wall in the cage and three of her teammates stepped up with defensive saves.

CNU will return to action on Sunday when the squad hosts Denison at 10 a.m. Following that contest, the Captains will host their first clinic of the year. Those looking to participate can find out about the special instructional sessions here: CNU Clinics.

---CNU---